Hi, my name is Michael and I’m fundraising to pay off a large hospital debt. My financial situation has become urgent and needs assistance. My apartment building has been sold and we tenants are being evicted by the new owner. Please help me raise $2,500 to negotiate the removal of this ($10k) debt from my credit report, which I hope will help me get approved for a new apartment.

I have insulin-dependent diabetes and hypothyroidism. Five years ago, I had health problems, both physical and emotional. I ended up in the hospital while I was uninsured. The bill is more than $10k, even after making payments.

Just after that, I moved into a small apartment with my friend where I helped look after his aging mother with dementia. Since she passed away and he moved out, I’ve paid all my rent on time. While living here, four cats found their way to my door. I started taking care of Lily four years ago. She is very old and may not live much longer. Buddy (pictured) moved in just before the lockdown and has become my emotional support pet. Sweet little Cricket is an outdoor cat and only comes for food and companionship at night. Felix became ill and died last winter.

Unfortunately, we have been ordered to move out by December 14th. I need to get the hospital bill off my credit reports to improve my chances of getting accepted for a new apartment. I have attempted to negotiate with the hospital, but they have turned the matter over to a debt collections agency. I have opened communications with the collections agency and sought out wisdom from a financial advisor. The agency said they can waive the interest and also reduce the principal to $7k if I pay it off in one lump sum. However, they will also consider settling the account with a much smaller lump payment if I have cash in hand on the day I call.

Any generous donation will go directly toward paying off the hospital bill. With an eviction on my record, it will be very difficult to be approved for a new apartment. But I have a good rental record and my credit payments are 93% on time. I just need to improve my credit reports a little more to build my case that I’m a good tenant risk.

I’m starting my GoFundMe goal at $2,500 because that’s the lowest reasonable amount at which I feel I can start negotiations over the $10k (reduced to $7k) bill. Along with GoFundMe, I’m hustling to increase my income in order to make that call by November 5th.

Thank you for taking the time to read about how I’m working to get past this major life challenge. I’ll update my status and answer your questions.